Conscious Beauty: Exploring the ABCs of Cosmetic Ingredients for a Greener Vanity

In the realm of conscious consumerism, our attention often gravitates towards the garments we wear, the foods we eat, and the products we use to clean our homes. Yet, nestled within our daily routine lies another domain: our ​“beauty” regimen. As the skincare and beauty industry becomes more popular, people increasingly invest more in ​“good” cosmetic products. However, beneath the allure of packaging is a complex list of ingredients, some of which may carry hidden environmental and ethical implications. While vague labels such as ​“cruelty-free” or ​“fragrance-free” may seem good enough, it is more beneficial to look for third-party certification labels such as COSMOS, BDIH, NaTrue, EcoCert and CertClean, who do their due diligence in ensuring sustainability and health of the product. Nevertheless, our responsibility as consumers remains to arm ourselves with the knowledge of specific ingredients to watch out for.

In this digital age, there are many apps that play a crucial role in informing consumers about the safety and sustainability of cosmetic products. Among them, CosmEthics stands out for its comprehensive approach, offering insights into both the safety and sustainability aspects of cosmetic ingredients. Other apps like OneLabel and OnSkin primarily focus on health aspects. Additionally, platforms like the Sustainable Beauty Coalition offer supplementary information on ingredient sustainability and environmental impacts. Acknowledging the general emphasis on health over environmental considerations, this article endeavours to bridge the gap by prioritizing the environmental and ethical aspects.

Top 5 Ingredients to Avoid

Palm Oil

Palm oil is often considered harmful due to its association with deforestation, habitat destruction, and human rights abuses in its production. Additionally, on cosmetics packaging, recognizing palm oil on the ingredients list can be tricky as it may appear under various names that are less obvious. When in doubt, it is best to ask the seller explicitly. To ensure the ethical sourcing of palm oil, consumers can look for products certified by the ​‘Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’ (RSPO), which also comes as a shopping app. This helps identify products containing and promoting responsible palm oil production and environmental stewardship.

Synthetic Colours

Synthetic colours, such as FD&C or D&C dyes, are used to add pigmentation to cosmetics. Many are derived from coal tar, which may contain heavy metals and other impurities linked to health risks. Additionally, synthetic colours can persist in the environment and contribute to water pollution. To recognize synthetic colours on the ingredients list, look for terms like ​“artificial colour,” ​“colour additive,” or specific chemical names such as ​“Tartrazine” or ​“Allura Red AC”. Instead, look for products labelled as ​“natural” or ​“free from artificial colours,” and check the ingredients list for plant-based colourants such as beetroot extract, and turmeric.

Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances can contain numerous undisclosed chemicals linked to allergies and respiratory issues. They additionally emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to air pollution and contaminating waterways, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems. These ingredients can be non-biodegradable, and the production process can also tend to be harmful. To recognize these ingredients, look for chemicals such as ​“limonene”, ​“linalool”, ​“benzyl alcohol”, or ​“alpha-isomethyl ionone”. Opt for ​“unscented” products, or look for natural fragrances within the ingredients, such as essential oils or botanical extracts.

Silicone

Silicones are used in cosmetics to provide a smooth, silky texture and improve spreadability. They also have numerous other skin benefits, however, while some silicones like cyclomethicone and cyclopentasiloxane are readily biodegradable and more environmentally friendly, many heavier silicones like dimethicone and dimethiconol are non-biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment, and harm ecosystems. Additionally, some silicones may cause skin irritation or exacerbate acne for certain individuals. You can opt for more conscious alternatives such as shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and other plant-based ingredients.

Cruelty Ingredients

While not all animal-derived ingredients are tested on animals, their use may raise concerns for some consumers. If you are looking for vegan products, check the ingredients list for collagen, elastin, lanolin, and carmine (also known as cochineal or natural red 4). In non-vegan products, to ensure their cruelty-free nature, look for certifications by ​‘Leaping Bunny’ or ​‘Choose Cruelty-Free’, who verify that no unethical activities were conducted to procure any of the ingredients in the product.

Top Conscious Ingredients to Look For

Algae Extracts

Algae extracts are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, hence offer numerous benefits for the skin and hair. They’re a conscious alternative to synthetic thickeners and antioxidants in cosmetics. They are also renewable, requiring minimal resources for cultivation, and can be harvested without causing harm to ecosystems.

Bamboo Charcoal

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, making it a renewable resource. Bamboo charcoal acts as a natural purifier in place of synthetic purifying agents and exfoliants in cosmetics. It draws out impurities and excess oil from the skin, making it a conscious alternative to conventional charcoal-derived ingredients.

Coconut Oil

Sourced from the fruit of the coconut palm tree, coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, offering moisturizing and nourishing benefits for the skin and hair. It is a more sustainable alternative to petroleum based ingredients such as silicones, mineral oil or paraffin wax. Coconut palms require minimal water and pesticides to grow, making coconut oil a better choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is another natural moisturizer made from renewable sources. It is sourced from the Shea tree, and offers nourishing properties for the skin. Like coconut oil, It is also a good replacement for silicones and other petroleum based ingredients commonly found in cosmetics. Additionally, it is sourced from women’s cooperatives in West Africa, providing economic empowerment to local communities.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting skin regeneration. It serves as a better alternative to synthetic fragrances and antioxidants in cosmetics. It is generally sourced from wild rose bushes, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract, which may also be listed as ​“camellia sinensis leaf extract”, is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits. It can replace synthetic antioxidants, synthetic colourants, and artificial fragrances commonly found in cosmetics. Green tea is grown in diverse regions worldwide and can be sourced sustainably through organic farming practices.

That said, although the natural ingredients mentioned above represent a more environmentally friendly option compared to commonly used alternatives, they may not always be sourced sustainably. This list only serves as an initial step towards ethical consumption. The next step is for consumers to rely on the certification schemes highlighted earlier to verify the ethical and sustainable sourcing of these ingredients. Nevertheless, there remains a pressing need for cosmetics brands to increase transparency regarding their sourcing practices, thereby empowering consumers to assess the origins of the ingredients and easily choose products that align with their values.

In conclusion, consumers can play a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable beauty industry by prioritising ethical sourcing, transparency, and eco-conscious ingredients. We hope this guide empowers individuals to embrace sustainability in their skincare and beauty routines, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.